Several Garvey District and Alhambra District schools have been designated as 2014 “Distinguished Schools" by the California Department of Education.

Honored with the designation were Willard Elementary in Rosemead, Monterey Vista Elementary and Monterey Highlands in Monterey Park; and
Garfield Elementary in Alhambra.
Monterey Highlands Elementary also received an additional award for “exemplary Physical Activity and Nutrition program."
In order to be invited to apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria including designated federal and state accountability measures based on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Academic Performance Index (API) requirements
Elementary and middle and high schools schools are honored on alternating years.
Bob Bruesch, president of the Garvey Board of Education issued the following statement:
“Being designated by the State as a “Distinguished School” represents a tremendous effort to improve the education their students by the entire staff of both schools. It demonstrates the schools’ determination to provide the children of our community exemplary 21st Century Learning Centers that meet the needs of all students.”